Obedience

 It has been a while since my last blog. Life happens some say . . . but it was more than that. Our journey took a few twists. Mine tested me as a mother and a wife. When Mike lost his job a few weeks before Christmas, we were shaken. We asked God what was next? I struggled with the idea of going back to work and putting the kids back in school and daycare. After all, wasn't that why I went to college? 

Unable to contain myself, I applied for a substitute teaching job. I suppose it made me feel better to have something to fall back on. The real question for me was am I relying on God and continuing to abide by what I feel called to do as a mother and leaving the details up to Him? Or am I relying on myself and playing it safe? 

Obedience is difficult. We are so unruly. 

Mike was able to pick up a short term crane job, which helped us financially through the month of December. I never had to leave the kids for a day to substitute teach. Our Lord is so faithful. As much as that job was not ideal, I am thankful for it and His perfect timing.

 We continued on, taking one day at a time. Mike was able to go back to a company he worked for in the past and it is a good place for him. We have started to settle back into a routine here at the Ambler household.

 Sierra took this picture of a sunset after a storm with my phone. She brought it to me and told me that it looks like heaven. I agree with her. There is always a light over us. We just have to choose to see it.

 One book that has greatly influenced my life and my role as a parent is "Too Small to Ignore." It is a peek into the lives of a missionary family and the community where they live and serve. I think sometimes we get so desensitized and focused on what we want in life and "things" that we forget what is most important. I know I am guilty of this.

It really isn't about us and what we want. It is about what we are called to to do. I did not want to stay home and homeschool my children. In fact, I fought it. And you know what? I am really not very good at it / : But I am learning.



"God's rules are for our benefit, not to make us miserable. When we live by them, life works. When we don't, life falls apart. When we obey, we have clarity. When we don't, we have confusion. And there is a definite connection between obedience and the love of God." -Stormie Omartian in The Power of a Praying Woman

Because what are we on this earth but a brisk breeze? We come, fulfill our purpose and we leave. It's what we do during the time we have and how we handle the change in seasons that matters. I have noticed the days seem longer since I have a detailed schedule with my kids at home. Before, I may have considered this undesirable as we are always looking forward to what is on the horizon. But I am not missing anything. I haven't missed a loose tooth or a new discovery. I notice I am still more often, taking in the morning cuddles while I still have them. My husband laughs at me because I even enjoy my son's morning breath as he crawls into my lap, knowing this won't last long.

This is not the life I envisioned for myself or my family but it is very clear that the Lord still has some lessons for me and I am where I need to be. 

Piggy Update: SO, we are not the pig farmers we hoped to be. Raising pigs is not as easy as we thought and winter is not the time to do it with the extreme temperatures. Pigs are destructive, can be mean and are honestly just scary. BUT, all that said, we are thankful for them opportunity and for the meat. The children said goodbye as we loaded them up in the trailer for their final mile (loading took us over an hour / :). It was important to us that our children learn to respect every life, even those of butcher pigs. 

"With my whole heart I have sought you; oh, let me not wander from your commandments!" -Psalm 119:10